Carnation plant named Frans Hals

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of carnation plant named Frans Hals, characterized by its bright red-purple base flower color, with darker red striations or speckles, generally flat flower form, generally wavy petal form, with crenate-dentate outer margin; relatively long and narrow leaves which are blue-green in color, and its funnel-shaped calyx with short, acute lobes infused with anthocyanin.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofCarnation, botanically known as Dianthus caryophyllus L., and referredto by the cultivar name Frans Hals.

Frans Hals is the product of a planned breeding program carried out inNieuwveen, The Netherlands.

Frans Hals was originated by the inventor from a hybridization made inNieuwveen in 1985. The female parent was the cultivar identified asPico. The male parent was the cultivar identified as ML 014002.

Frans Hals was discovered and selected as one flowering plant within theprogeny of the stated parentage by the inventor in a controlledenvironment in Nieuwveen.

The first act of asexual reproduction of Frans Hals was accomplishedwhen vegetative cuttigns were taken from the initial selection in July1986 in a controlled environment in Nieuwveen by or under thesupervision of the inventor.

Horticultural examination of selected units initiated following asexualreproduction has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics asherein disclosed for Frans Hals are firmly fixed and are retainedthrough successive generations of asexual reproduction.

Frans Hals has not been observed under all possible environmentalconditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations inenvironment such as temperature, light intensity and daylength, without,however, any variation in genotype.

The following observations, measurements and comparisons describe plantsgrown in Wageningen and Nieuwveen, The Netherlands under greenhouseconditions which closely approximate those generally used in commercialpractice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe basic characteristics of Frans Hals which in combination distinguishthis carnation as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. The base color of the flowers is a bright red-purple striated orspeckled with a secondary dark red color.

2. The top surface of the fully opened corolla is generally flat,merging into convex sides.

3. Foliage is typical for carnations, relatively long and narrow, andblue-green in color.

4. Individual flower petals are generally wavey with the outer marginbeing crenate-dentate.

5. The calyx is funnel shaped, with the lobes being short and acute inshape and infused with anthocyanin.

The accompanying color photographic drawings show typical inflorescenceand foliage characteristics of Frans Hals.

The photo on sheet 1 illustrates a potted plant of the new cultivar withmany open flowers and buds.

The photo on sheet 2 shows various plant parts, including flowers,individual petals, stems and calyx. Colors are as nearly true aspossible with illustration of this type, although the true base color ofthe flowers (67A) is not precisely shown in either of the photographs.

In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Colour Chart. Color values were determined indoors in anorth light in Wageningen.

Classification:

Botanical.--Dianthus caryophyllus L., cv. Frans Hals.

Commercial.--Pot carnation.

INFLORESCENCE CHARACTERISTICS

Flowering response: 12-20 weeks after planting rooted cuttings and withone pinch.

Number of buds and flowers per stem: 1-5.

Peduncle length: 18-22 cm.

Flower:

Size.--Approximately 2.5 cm.

Type.--Double.

Form.--Top surface flat, periphery of flower convex.

Buds.--Cylindrical in shape just before opening.

Calyx.--Funnel-shaped; lobes are short and acute in shape, and convex,and infused with anthocyanin; apex of both outer and inner lobes ofepicalyx is acute.

Petals.--Generally wavy in cross-section, margin is crenate-dentate; seephoto for petal shape and size.

Color:

General tonality from a distance of three meters.--Dark red.

Upper surface.--Main color (claw excluded) is red-purple 67A, with darkred striations or speckles clearly visible; color fades very littleduring maturation.

Fragrance: Medium.

Reproductive organs:

Androecium.--Present.

Gynoecium.--Ovaries are obovoid in shape, mainly green in color, withsurface being ribbed; no transformation of ovaries into flower buds;generally 3 styles but occasionally 4; styles do not have a shoulder;color of stigma is purple.

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS:

Growth habit: Vigorous growth habit.

Branching Pattern: 2-5 side branches per stem.

Height: Approximately 25 cm in height at time of flowering.

Stems: Straight and rigid, firmly supporting flowers.

Foliage:

Shape.--Obovate; upper surface concave in cross-section; longitudinalaxis recurved.

Texture.--Glancosity is present, margin ciliated.

Size.--Length approximately 5.0-7.0 cm; width approximately 0.5 cm.

Color.--Typical carnation, blue-green.

It is claimed:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of carnation plant namedFrans Hals, as illustrated and described.